Tue Dec 23 13:23:17 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Mahayuti coalition (BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and potentially NCP) is struggling to finalize seat sharing for the upcoming BMC elections. The BJP has increased its offer to the Shinde Sena to around 90 seats, but this falls short of their demand of 112. Negotiations are ongoing, complicated by the potential inclusion of Ajit Pawar’s NCP, which would necessitate a complete overhaul of the current seat allocation plans. A major sticking point is the NCP’s support for Nawab Malik, who is facing corruption charges. The BJP is strongly opposed to including Malik in the alliance. The BMC election is scheduled for January 15th, with results to be announced the following day.

News Article:

Mahayuti Coalition Faces Hurdles in BMC Seat Sharing Amid NCP Inclusion and Corruption Concerns

Mumbai – Negotiations within the Mahayuti coalition (BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde)) are proving challenging as the group grapples with seat sharing for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, scheduled for January 15th.

While the BJP has increased its offer to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena to approximately 90 seats, it remains short of the party’s revised demand of 112. Sources indicate that further discussions will be held to resolve the dispute.

The situation is further complicated by the potential inclusion of Ajit Pawar’s NCP in the alliance. This would require a complete reassessment of the current seat allocation strategy.

A significant obstacle lies in the NCP’s support for Nawab Malik, who faces serious corruption allegations. The BJP has firmly stated its opposition to any alliance that includes Malik, demanding the NCP present an alternative leader and settle for a limited number of seats (10-14) if they wish to join the Mahayuti.

“If Nawab Malik is their (NCP) leader, then we won’t be with them. He has serious allegations against him, and we won’t ally with them,” stated Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam.

With less than a month until the BMC elections, the Mahayuti coalition faces mounting pressure to resolve these internal conflicts and present a united front. A total of 2,869 municipal seats are up for grabs, including 227 BMC seats. The election results will be announced on January 16th.

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